SPRINGFIELD ARMORY CHAMPION
Posted Jun 15, 2023
OPERATOR 1911
Springfield Armory Champion Operator 1911
Springfield Armory has been producing high quality firearms since 1974. They are known for their design and precision craftsmanship, and that's certainly no different with their latest offering, the Springfield Armory Champion Operator 1911. This full-size, all-metal handgun has a number of features that make it unique and desirable for the modern shooter. Its aesthetics are pleasing to the eye, its construction is extremely durable, and it provides an unparalleled level of accuracy and reliability.
The first thing that stands out when you look at the Springfield Armory Champion Operator 1911 is its handsome, two-tone finish. The frame and slide are coated in a rich black finish that is highly resistant to wear and corrosion, as well as a high-gloss, stainless steel slide for added durability. These two quality finishes merge harmoniously and give the handgun an impressive aesthetic.
Moving on to the ergonomics of the Springfield Armory Champion Operator 1911, you will immediately feel the comfortable, beavertail grip safety that allows for a secure grip and helps protect the shooter's hand from any part of the gun. The flat mainspring housing fills the hand nicely, and the generous checkering on the front and back straps provide a secure grip. The extended thumb safety is also easy to reach and intuitively placed for easy manipulation.
The functional features of the Springfield Armory Champion Operator 1911 are just as impressive as its aesthetics. The gun is outfitted with a full-length guide rod and a match-grade stainless steel barrel for improved accuracy and reliability. Additionally, it features an extended beveled magazine well for easier reloading; a secure, combat-style magazine release; a low-profile, three-dot combat sights for enhanced visibility; an extended, single-sided thumb safety; an ambidextrous safety; and an enlarged ejection port for high-pressure cartridges. The trigger pull on the Springfield Armory Champion Operator 1911 is crisp and consistent, with a 3.5-4.5 pound pull weight.
This Springfield Armory pistol also comes with a range of additional features. Firstly, it has a reversible magazine release button allowing it to be operated by both left and right-handed shooters, and it also includes a Picatinny rail system on the dust cover for quick and easy accessory mounting. The gun also has a built-in ambidextrous thumb safety and extended beveled magazine well for faster reloads.
All in all, the Springfield Armory Champion Operator 1911 is an outstanding choice for any serious shooter. It is reliable, accurate, and highly durable, making it suitable for defensive use, target practice, or simply having some fun at the range. The attention to detail and forthright design is immediately evident, and certain features such as the extended beveled magazine well, low-profile sights, and reversible magazine release make it unique. With a list price of $1,100, the Champion Operator 1911 may be slightly more expensive than some other 1911s on the market, but it is worth every penny, and it offers shooters an unrivaled level of performance and reliability.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-The Springfield Champion is lightweight and easy to carry.
-The Champion has a slim profile making it easy to conceal.
-It is well made and reliable.
-The Champion has a military-style hammer and trigger for improved accuracy and precision.
-It features the classic Springfield Armory design, incorporating ergonomic improvements for increased comfort and control.
-It has a light, crisp trigger with much less perceived recoil than other Springfield models.
Cons:
-The limited capacity of the Champion can be a concern for some shooters.
-The recoil spring is on the weak side, making it necessary to use a lighter-weight ammunition for a reliable functioning.
-The Champion does not feature an external safety or slide release, limiting the ability to immediately disable the firearm.
-The grip of the Champion is more suited for a smaller hand, so shooters with larger hands may find it uncomfortable.
Who Should Buy
The Springfield Armory Champion is an ideal handgun for concealed carry and home defense. It is reliable and accurate and contains many features to make shooting more enjoyable and safe. Anyone interested in a concealed carry or home defense handgun should consider purchasing this model.
However, those new to shooting, or who are on a tight budget, may find other firearms more suitable for their needs. The Springfield Armory Champion is somewhat expensive compared to other handguns and is not recommended for beginner shooters.
Comparisons
| Springfield Armory Champion | Smith & Wesson Performance Center PC1911 | Wilson Combat CQB Tactical LE | Heckler & Koch HK 416 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .45 ACP | .45 ACP | .45 ACP | .22 Long Rifle, 5.56x45 NATO, 7.62x39mm, .300BLK |
| Capacity | 7rds/.45 ACP | 8rds/.45 ACP | 8rds/.45 ACP | 30rds/.22LR, 30rds/5.56, 30rds/7.62, 30rds/.300BLK |
| Barrel | 4" stainless steel melonite | 5” carbon steel match grade | 4.6” stainless steel match grade | 10.4” cold hammer-forged |
| Weight | 38oz unloaded | 41oz unloaded | 42.4oz unloaded | 3.75lbs unloaded |
| Sights | fiber optic front, low profile combat rear | Fiber optic front, Novak Lo-Mount Carry rear | Heinie Straight-Eight tritium rear, tritium front | Mil-spec front and adjustable rear |
| Finish | black Armory Kote | Satin stainless slide and black frame | Armor-Tuff finish | Matte black, tan or olive drab Cerakote |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Action: Single action only (SAO)
• Capacity: 7+1 rounds
• Sights: Low-profile 3 dot
• Barrel Length: 4”
• Overall Length: 7.5”
• Weight: 25 oz
• Height: 5.5”
• Frame/Grip Material: Die cast aluminum alloy/Synthetic
• Slide/Barrel Finish: Black Armory Kote™/Matte
• Trigger Pull: 4-6 lbs./2.4-2.9 kg
Popular Accessories
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The most popular accessories for Springfield Armory Champion are the following:
- Magazine/Base Plates
- Mag Loaders
- Recoil Springs
- Magazine Releases
- Grips
- Holsters
- Sights
- Slings
- Flashlights
- Speed Loaders
Accuracy
The Springfield Armory Champion is one of the most accurate handguns ever made. It has been known for its precision and accuracy for decades. The pistol's outstanding accuracy and reliability comes from its match-grade barrel and extended slide stop. The gun is also compatible with popular aftermarket sights and accessories, which improves the accuracy even further. Its crisp, 4-pound trigger pull also contributes to accuracy, and the recessed target crown and melonite finish create a tough, hard-wearing finish that helps protect against corrosion, ensuring that the gun will be accurate for years to come. The Champion has been praised for its accuracy and reliability by many gun magazines and shooters alike, and it has become a benchmark for accuracy among handguns.
